Car RFID Security System Cracked

jmichaelg writes "The NY Times reports that the security chip in new auto keys has been cracked. A team at Johns Hopkins have found a method to extract the 30 bit crypto key that tells your car that the physical key in the ignition switch is the correct key. Texas Instruments has sold some 150 million security chips that are stored in the car key. The devices are credited with reducing car thefts of some car models by 90%. Stealing a crypto key requires standing next to the victim and broadcasting a series of challenges to the key and capturing the responses. The team claims an iPod-sized device would suffice to steal the crypto key in under a second. They advise wrapping your keys in foil when you're not using them. TI admits the team has cracked their code but denies there's any problem."

Umm..

[QangMartoq]

"TI admits the team has cracked their code but denies there's any problem"

No problem? Come again?

I knew it!

[Sensible Clod]

Good thing I always keep my keys wrapped in tinfoil.

At long last...

[bwcarty]

I have an excuse for the tiny tin foil hat or my car key.

the good news.

[JVert]

Folks there is nothing to worry about, nothing to see here-OH MY GOD WHERE IS MY CAR?

oh no...

[Anonymous Coward]

nice, now I wonder what the team did with the ipod device... I sure hope they're not around my house, near my car which has the encryptic device... oh wait!!! Ahhh! Got 2 go...

You know the world is coming to an end when...

[PurpleFloyd]

You know the world's coming to an end when a team of security experts from a respected institution advises wrapping your car keys in tinfoil so the Bad Guys can't intercept the secret signal!

Comment removed

[account_deleted]

Comment removed based on user account deletion

Re:Umm..

[LiquidRaptor]

Well, theres not much of one, I mean they still need to burn it to a chip or somehow get that same signal over the wire, plus they also need to have the key to start it. I mean, modern cars arn't exactly easy to hotwire(not saying a pro can't do it fast). Basically this stuff means that the hightech thieves have a possible tool, but hitech thieves account for very little actual theft. Most autotheft is more of the smash and go, or the steal the keys and run.

Re:Umm..

[Wesley Felter]

There's no problem because TI engineers can steal whatever cars they want...

Re: I knew it!

[Black Parrot]

> Good thing I always keep my keys wrapped in tinfoil.

I just carry mine under my hat.

Hmmm...

[the pickle]

Does this mean I might no longer have to pay the dealer $80 each for duplicate Honda Odyssey keys? Because that would be nice.

p

don't you mean...

[raehl]

Dude, where's my car?

Re:30 Bit Key? That's like soooo 1990

[belmolis]

They probably gave in to pressure from the NSA, which didn't want the encryption to be too hard to break. Those NSA folks like to joyride.:)

Simple solution...

[ari_j]

I'm already wearing a tin-foil hat, and it has a hidden inside pocket. Voila, problem solved!

Re:30 Bit Key? That's like soooo 1990

[Lehk228]

no that's just stuff that happens randomly when you buy a Saturn.

My sig

[xstonedogx]

Fortunately for me, my sig is RFID enable... oh crap.

hey cool

[cruel_elevator]

First, it was suggested that you wrap your newfangled passports in tin foil. Now it's car keys. I guess it's time for Calvin Klein, Gucci, DKNY and other designers to release their line of tin-foil clothing. Or how about clothing with pockets reinforced with tin foil?

Wait, that sounds like a profitable idea. /me runs off to patent office.

the old method

[snot whistle]

the old method requires you stand next to the person with the key and hit them on the head with a shovel.

more effective, but not as 1337.

Re:The More Appropriate Question...

[John Pliskin]

If it ever says, 'Hello, Dave.' I think you ought to be a little worried.
Otherwise, cool.

Re:Hmmm...

[frankmu]

you don't have a three year old i presume...

Re:Thinkgeek

[Skidge]

"The team claims an iPod-sized device would suffice to steal the crypto key in under a second."

Is that the 40GB iPod, 20GB iPod, iPod Mini or iPod shuffle?

Re: I knew it!

[CharlesF]

Wait, did you think all the tinfoil hat comments were JOKES?

Re:the old method

[Anonymous Coward]

more effective, but not as 1337.

It could be a 1337 shovel [hunterselite.com].

Re:Start chewing!

[riqnevala]

Who knew chewing gum could actually provide an additional benefit?

MacGyver did. :)

Re:Quite so.

[Linker3000]

Nice key but obviously crap at opening delivery boxes - not a good marketing feature for a geek!!

Grand Theft Auto 5

[Legion303]

Coming soon to a Pocket PC near you!

On the plus side, TI can file John Doe lawsuits against the thieves (for DMCA violations, of course) if your car is stolen.

Re:Grand Theft Auto 5

[SharpFang]

Pocket Pc? Nay! A TI Calculator! [ti.com]

Re:In some places, this very well might be a probl

[Anonymous Coward]

It's not car theft. It's car infringement. What? He didn't leave you a copy? Well, I guess it is theft after all.